2021 Senior Bowl: 6 players who impressed on day one

Sam Ehlinger – quarterback (Texas) – National

The National Team roster had several position groups that are loaded with talent. At the quarterback position, Texas Longhorns quarterback had a more significant performance than his counterparts in the team with Arkansas’ Felipe Franks and Notre Dame’s Ian Book. While Ehlinger wasn’t perfect in his performance in the first practice, he was able to pick himself up and play the next play.

In most portions of team periods, there was no middle ground with Ehlinger. In two consecutive plays, Ehlinger tripped while backing up under center and threw into double coverage. One play later, he threw a perfect deep pass on the right side of the field. In another set of plays, Ehlinger lost the ball on the snap and then completed a highly efficient rollout pass to his tight end.

He was one of the more productive quarterbacks on the field for the National Squad. There is still the questionable aspects of consistency, which can be changed in the following practices on Wednesday and Thursday.

Shi Smith – wide receiver (South Carolina) – American

While Watkins was a highly efficient receiver for the American squad on Tuesday, he was not considered the best. South Carolina Gamecocks wide receiver Shi Smith was one of the most consistent receivers for both squads in Tuesday’s practice.

Whether it was in team periods or position drills, Smith was highly consistent with the ability to catch and secure the ball. In team periods, there were more concerns with the opposing defensive backs trying to get the ball out at the last second than contend for the ball. Smith was able to create consistent separation from the opposing backs for the quarterbacks to get the ball in his sole possession.

What stood out the most from Smith’s ability to separate himself from the defenders is his elite speed. Smith also had one of the best catches of the day by showing off his great agility and athleticism in a tremendous leap and grab.